noisy air cond. compressor, what is it? [Archive] - El Camino Central Forum : Chevrolet El Camino Forums

: noisy air cond. compressor, what is it?


TRIK-56
07-17-2003, 01:02 PM
Hey everybody,

I have an 82 Elky with the original factory pancake type compressor and it has recently developed a strange noise thats driving me nuts.

I realize its very difficult to diagnose a problem on this forum that has to do with a noise since you can't hear it but I'm just looking for possible ideas.

The compressor is making what I would call a rattling noise at idle. It will do it in nuetral, park, and drive. But, you can change the rpms by only a couple of hundred or so and the noise goes away completely!

It still cools good but just makes this unusual noise.

I have taken it to two different mechanics, (one of them is pretty knowledgable in air cond.) and they both said it doesn't sound like a bad compressor or clutch, and both thought it was probably the belt.

So, I put a new Gates belt on it and it did change the sound a little but didn't go away. Anyone ever run across this before? Is my clutch or compressor about to go belly up or what? Thanks for any ideas you share.

acauth1
07-17-2003, 01:04 PM
Tighten the mounting bolts. If this doesn't solve the noise, replace the compresser.

hairball
10-15-2003, 09:09 PM
Are you using R-12 or 134?

TRIK-56
10-16-2003, 04:35 PM
Are you using R-12 or 134?

R-12. Why do you ask?